MCC v Young Cricketers: Preview
Published: 03 May 2011

MCC Young Cricketers, a squad of promising young players from around the world trained at Lord's - take on 'the boss' when they face an MCC team. Can they continue their winning run?

Entry to the match is free for all spectators. Come along and enjoy the sunshine and cricket at Lord's.

Fantastic start

The 'YCs' have enjoyed a fantastic start to their season. Under the tutelage of former England all-rounder Mark Alleyne, they play in the Second XI competitions - often facing teams packed with far more experienced professionals.

Despite this Alleyne's young charges have beaten Gloucestershire IIs and Surrey IIs in the Second XI Championship and beaten Gloucestershire again in the Second XI Trophy.

With former YCs Ian Cockbain (who captained the YCs last year), John Simpson, Alex Hales and Michael Richardson currently impressing on the county circuit (for Gloucestershire, Middlesex, Nottinghamshire and Durham respectively) the Lord's-based trainees are hoping to catch the eye and follow in their predecessor's footsteps to make the step-up to full-time, professional cricket.

The YCs have also enjoyed a winning run in this annual fixture - beating the MCC team in 2009 and 2010.

Current skipper, Paul Muchall (younger brother of Durham's Gordon), in his second year as a YC, has lead by example with an impressive century against Surrey IIs.

New recruit James Porter, a 6'1" seam bowler from east London, has been the pick of an impressive bowling attack, taking five wickets in that match at the Oval.

Whilst MCC prides itself on the progress of its young cricketers, both in the YCs and at the many MCC Universities - there is the small matter of pride at stake!

As a result MCC will be fielding a strong side, including a host of players with strong minor counties experience.

All-rounder Toby Drummond and wicket-keeper George Arblaster were part of the Club's successful tour to Namibia.

Adam Sydall, another former MCC tourist, also has experience of the famous Lord's slope, having opened the bowling for Cheshire in the 2007 minor counties final.

Another MCC player with big match experience is Cambridge MCCU graduate Ben Jacklin - who once took the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar at Fenners. Sadly, for his team, it was after the India legend had already scored a 91-ball century!

Drop in for some free cricket

With free entry all day why not drop in for a few overs in the morning; or enjoy some cricket with your lunch - or best yet, knock off work early to come and watch the denouement of what should be a fiercely competitive game.